Your garage door is one of your home’s largest and most important moving parts. It provides security for your vehicles and belongings and can add to your property’s curb appeal. However, like any other moving part, your garage door needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and safely.
But how often garage door maintenance should be done? The answer depends on several factors, including the garage door type, how often you use it, and the climate you live in. However, as a general rule of thumb, having your garage door serviced at least once a year is a good idea by a qualified professional.
Today, we’ll discuss how often your garage door should be serviced and why it’s important.
How often garage door maintenance should be done?
The frequency of garage door maintenance depends on many factors, including the type of garage door you have, how often you use it, and the climate you live in.
However, a good rule of thumb is to have your garage door inspected and serviced by a professional at least once a year.
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Type of garage door
Different types of garage doors require different levels of maintenance. For example, wooden garage doors require more maintenance than steel garage doors, as they are more susceptible to damage from the elements. Wooden garage doors should be inspected and serviced every six months, while steel garage doors can be inspected and serviced once a year.
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Frequency of use
If you use your garage door frequently, you will need to have it serviced more often. For example, if you use your garage door multiple times a day, you may need to be serviced twice a year. If you only use your garage door occasionally, you can get away with having it serviced once a year.
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Climate
If you live in a climate with extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy snow, you will need to have your garage door serviced more often. Extreme weather conditions can damage your garage door and its components, so it is important to have it inspected and serviced regularly to ensure it is in good working condition.
Benefits of regular garage door maintenance
Regular garage door maintenance is essential for extending the life of your garage door and opener, improving its performance and safety, and preventing costly repairs and replacements.
Here are some of the specific benefits of regular garage door maintenance–
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Extends the life of your garage door and opener
Garage doors are complex machines with several moving parts. Over time, these parts can wear down and become damaged, leading to premature failure of the garage door or opener.
Regular maintenance can help to identify and address potential problems early on before they cause major damage. This can help to extend the life of your garage door and opener, saving you money on costly repairs and replacements in the long run.
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Improves the performance and safety of your garage door
A well-maintained garage door will operate more smoothly and efficiently than a poorly maintained garage door. This can help to improve the performance of your garage door, making it easier to open and close.
Regular maintenance can also help to identify and address any safety hazards with your garage door, such as faulty sensors or damaged springs. This can help to improve the safety of your garage door, protecting you and your family from potential injuries.
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Prevents costly repairs and replacements
As we already know, regular maintenance can help to identify and address potential problems with your garage door early on, before they cause major damage. This can help to prevent costly repairs and replacements in the long run.
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Protects your home and belongings
Your garage door is one of the main entry points to your home. A well-maintained garage door will help to keep your home and belongings safe from intruders. Regular maintenance can help to identify and address any security vulnerabilities with your garage door, such as damaged locks or broken sensors. This can help to protect your home and belongings from theft and vandalism.
How to perform basic garage door maintenance
Basic garage door maintenance can be performed by any homeowner with a few basic tools. The following are some tips on how to perform basic garage door maintenance–
Inspect the garage door
Inspect the garage door for any signs of damage, such as rust, cracks, or dents. Pay particular attention to the hinges, rollers, and springs. If you notice any damage, call a professional garage door technician to repair it.
Lubricate the garage door hinges and rollers
This will help to reduce friction and wear and tear, extending the life of your garage door and its components. To lubricate the hinges and rollers, simply apply a few drops of silicone spray or lithium grease to each moving part.
Tighten any loose screws or bolts
Inspect all the screws and bolts on the garage door and tighten any loose. This will help to prevent the garage door from becoming loose and out of alignment.
Test the garage door opener
This includes testing the auto-reverse feature and the safety sensors. To test the auto-reverse feature, simply place a small object in the path of the closing garage door. The door should automatically reverse when it comes into contact with the object.
To test the safety sensors, simply break the beam of light between the sensors. The door should automatically stop closing when the beam is broken.
If you notice any problems with the garage door opener, it is important to have it repaired by a professional garage door technician.
How Can I Understand When to Get Garage Door Service?
Your garage door is one of the most important parts of your home, but it’s also one of the most neglected. That’s why it’s important to know when to call a garage door repair person.
Here are a few signs that it’s time to get your garage door serviced–
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It’s noisy
If your garage door makes strange noises when it opens or closes, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Maybe the springs are worn out, or the rollers are rusty. Whatever the cause, it’s important to have it fixed by a professional.
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It’s slow
If your garage door takes forever to open or close, it’s another sign that something is wrong. Maybe the motor is dying, or the tracks are bent.
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Check the alignment
If your garage door is sagging on one side, or if it doesn’t close evenly, it’s a sign that the springs are out of balance. This can be dangerous, so it’s important to have it fixed right away.
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It’s hard to open or close manually
If you struggle to open or close your garage door manually, even when the power is out, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Maybe the springs are too tight, or the cables are frayed. Whatever the cause, it’s important to have it fixed before it breaks for good.
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The opener isn’t working
If your garage door opener isn’t working properly, it’s probably time to replace it. But before you do, check the batteries and the remote control. Sometimes, a simple fix can solve the problem.
Even if you’re not having any problems with your garage door, it’s a good idea to have it serviced regularly. This will help to identify and fix any potential problems before they cause major damage.
Conclusion
Garage door maintenance is an important part of homeownership. Now you know – how often garage door maintenance should be done?
If you’re unsure about garage door maintenance or notice any problems, call Pops Garage Door Services. We offer 24/7 emergency service and a wide range of services, including maintenance, repair, and replacement.
FAQ
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How often should a garage door be replaced?
A garage door should be replaced every 20–30 years, depending on how often it is used and the climate you live in. If you notice any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as rust, cracks, or dents, you should have your garage door inspected by a professional.
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Do garage door openers need maintenance?
Yes, garage door openers need maintenance to extend their lifespan and prevent costly repairs and replacements. Some basic maintenance tasks include testing the batteries, lubricating the moving parts, tightening any loose screws or bolts, and checking the safety sensors.
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What should I do if I have a problem with my garage door?
If you have a problem with your garage door, it is important to call a professional garage door technician. Attempting to repair a garage door yourself can be dangerous and could void your warranty.
